Same-sex marriage (SSM) in New York State

Activities during 2010-OCT to 2011-MAR

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Gubernatorial candidates split on same-sex marriage (SSM):

With significant support from the Tea Party, Carl Paladino (R) became the Republican candidate for governor of New York State in the 2010 campaign. He expressed strong opposition to equal rights for lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgender persons and transsexuals (LGBT), including the right to marry. He is a Roman Catholic and accepted his church's teachings that LGBTs are mentally disordered .

Three weeks before the election, on 2010-OCT-10, he addressed an Orthodox Jewish gathering at a synagogue in Brooklyn's Williamsburg section. During his talk, he criticized his opponent, former Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, for taking his teenaged daughters to view the gay pride parade in New York City. He said that children who later in life choose to marry people of the opposite sex and raise families would be "... much better off and much more successful. ...I don't want them to be brainwashed into thinking that homosexuality is an equally valid and successful option."

The written version of his talk included the sentence: "There is nothing to be proud of in being a dysfunctional homosexual." Apparently, he found this too hateful and so he skipped it.

During the evening after his speech, he issued an ambiguous statement saying:

"In my speech today to Orthodox Jewish leaders in New York City, I noted my opposition to gay marriage, inspired by my Catholic beliefs. I also oppose discrimination of any form."

Many religious and political liberals regard the lack of marriage equality for LGBTs to be discrimination.

On OCT-12, Paladino apologized for using such harsh words as "brainwashed." However, he renewed his opposition to same-sex marriage. His new stance lost him the support of some Orthodox Jewish groups. Orthodox Rabbi Yehuda Levin, who represents an umbrella organization of ultra-Orthodox clerics, withdrew his support for Paladino and accused him of bowing to political pressure. More details.

His main was opponent, Andrew Cuomo (D). He attended the Empire State Pride Agenda's fall dinner where he said:

"I don't want to be the governor who just proposes marriage equality. I don't want to be the governor who lobbies for marriage equality. I don't want to be the governor who fights for marriage equality. I want to be the governor who signs the law that makes equality a reality in the state of New York." 1

Andrew Cuomo won the election.

Joe Solmonese, president of the pro-LGBT group Human Rights Campaign® (HRC) said:

"Voters clearly responded to candidates who ran on a pro-equality platform with at least three seats switching from marriage equality opponents to supporters. The victories of Governor-Elect Cuomo and these new fair-minded State Senators are great news for New Yorkers who value equality. ... As the dust settles on the election, the focus will move from the ballot box to the state capitol where HRC along with our allies in New York will push to see a marriage bill passed out of both chambers,” added Solmonese. “We look forward to working with strong marriage equality supporter Governor-Elect Cuomo to end discrimination against same-sex couples in New York once and for all." 2

After the votes were counted, Democrats retained control of the House. However, control of the Senate was initially unclear; an even split of 31 Republicans and 31 Democrats was possible.
The constitution authorizes the Lt. Governor to cast the deciding vote when a tie occurs. However, there is a debate whether he had the authority to vote on assigning committee leadership assignments. When the smoke cleared, the Republicans gained control of the Senate with 32 seats compared with 30 for the Democrats.

The New York Daily News held an informal poll of visitors to their web site on same-sex marriage. 57% supported same-sex marriage; 42% were opposed and 1% were unsure. This is surprisingly close to the results of formal polls. 1

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2011-MAR-09: Governor Cuomo held meeting with SSM advocates:

The Marriage Equality Act of 2009 passed the House but failed with a vote of 24 to 38 in the Senate after all of the Republican Senators and eight Democrats voted against the bill.

Cuomo met with pro-equality advocates on MAR-09, to discuss reintroducing the bill:

New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, who is gay said:

"We’re not going to say when we are going to do anything here. All we are prepared to say now is that we are working incredibly hard to get New Yorkers the rights they deserve as quickly as we possibly can."

"I think we’re all agreed that we’d like to convince each and every senator to vote for our right to be married and the governor is committed to it and that’s just an enormous help."

Sen. Ruben Diaz, (D-Bronx) a leader in the opposition to same-sex marriage, said:

"How can the issue of homosexual marriage demand the governor’s attention at this critical time when we are supposed to be dealing with the Budget to protect the poor and the needy? Does Governor Cuomo think he’s really gaining headway with such little time to spend on the urgencies of the day – which include maintaining minimal educational services and health-care services in New York state?"

Fortunately, the 2009 bill could be dusted off and resubmitted with a minimum of effort. Also. in the opinion of many senior state CEOs, legalizing SSM would help the state economically. [See entry for APR-29]

Governor Cuomo released a statement after the meeting:

"Same-sex couples deserve the right to join in civil marriage, and it is simply unfair to deny them the freedom to make this decision for themselves and their families. I look forward to working with lawmakers and stakeholders to make sure that New York joins the growing number of states that allow the freedom to marry for all couples." 3,4

References used:

The following information sources were used to prepare and update the above
essay. The hyperlinks are not necessarily still active today.

Celeste Katz, "Cuomo tells gay activists he will legalize same-sex marriage, make 'equality a reality' in New York," New York Daily News, 2010-OCT-14, at:
http://www.nydailynews.com/